Overseaming-machine.



J. M. MERROW.

OVERSEAMING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED DEC.26.I9I4. RENEWED AUG. 28.I9l6- 1 ,21 7,975.. Patented Mar. 6, 1917.

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mr Nnmus PETERS co.. PNOYD-LITHO WASNINGIBN. n cy J. M. MERROW.

OVERSEAMING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED DEC-26,1914. RENEWED AUG.28.1916.

Patented Mar. 6, 1917.

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JosErH M. MERBOW,

or HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOB TO THE MERBOW NECTICUT.

OVEBSEAMINGr-MACHINE.

Application filed December 26, 1914, Serial No. 879,188.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOSEPH M. Mnnnow, a citizen of the United States,residing at Hartford, in the county of Hartford, State of Connecticut,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in OverseamingMachines; and I do hereby declare thefollowing to be a full, clear, andexact descrip-v tion of the same, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and tothefigures and numerals of reference marked thereon.

This invention relates to over-seaming machines of a type characterizedby stitch forming elements comprising an eye pointed thread carryingneedle and two loopers. Each of these elements in the process ofinterlooping threads to form overedge stitches must, during one stitchforming cycle, be definitely moved to separated points to cooperaterespectively with each, of the other two. To accomplish this sequence ofaction at the extremely high speeds required in this class of machines,it is also essential that the looper supporting mechanism have greatrigidity with a minimum of restraining effect to the free action of themoving parts. The provision of mechanism effective .in these respects isthe primary object of my invention. Other objects will hereinafterappear.

In the drawings accompanying and forming part of the presentspecification there is shown in detail one convenient form of embodimentof my invention. The arrangement and design of the various parts howeverare not limited to the exact showing of the illustrations, as changestherein may be made in many respects within the scope of the inventionas defined by the claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of an overseaming machine of the typeabove mentioned, parts being broken away and in section to more clearlyshow features. of my invention.

Fig. 2 is an end view of the machine as seen from the left in Fig. 1certain parts being removed orbroken away and others shown in section.

Fig. 3 is a view of the inner face ofthe frame cap with loopersupporting parts in position thereon.

Specification of Letters Patent.

comprise the needle 11, a looper Patented Mar. 6, 1917.

Renewed August 28, 1916. Serial No. 117,385.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view on line H of Fig. 3.

Similar reference numerals designate similar parts throughout theseveral views.

,T 0 briefiyfidentify such well known parts of the machine as havebeen'illustrated together with less conspicuous detail entering into theinvention,-3 designates the machine frame, 4 the head, 5 thepresserfoot, 6 the needleplate, 7 and 8 the feed dogs, 9 the drivingwheel, and 10 the driving shaft. The stitch forming elements looper 13,each of which is given (as will hereinafter appear) a suitable movementin the process of interlooping threads to form overseam stitches. Threadguides, takeups, tension and a chaining finger (around which latterstitches may be formed) all of which are common in overseaming machinesand some of which are shown in the drawings, it is thought need not beherein specifically described.

Fitted in an opening in machine frame 3 and secured by screws 14: and15, is the frame cap 16, provided on its inner face with gibs 17 and 18to form a raceway 19- which movably supports the slide 20. Bearingagainst gib justing' wedge 21. Pivotally mounted in said slide 20 is acarrier 22 for the looper 12, the latter'being inserted in an arm 23 12anda the front of the i i 18 is an adof the carrier and removably heldtherein by a set screw 24. Extending from the carrier 22 in oppositedirections and at approximately right angles to the arm 23 are arms 25and 26 provided respectively with studs 27 and 28 and anti-frictionrolls 29 and 30, which as will hereinafter appear are positivelyactuated, by cams to effect the desired movement of the looper 12. I I

Within the machine frame 3, opposite the frame cap 16 are a pair of 31and 32 the former being secured tothe driving shaft 10, and the latterto a shaft 33, which is shown above the driving shaft and as extendingparallel thereto. The cam cylinders 31 and 32 are grooved respectivelyas at 3 1 and 35, each to receive its corresponding stud roll 29 and 30associated as already described with the looper carrier 22.

Rigid with the cam cylinders 31 and 32 cam cylinders tively, by virtueof which rotation of the driving shaft will cause the cam cylinders torotate in unison, the cam grooves 34 and 35 effecting through theconnections described an oscillating, bodily reciprocatory movement ofthe looper 12 so that the latter passes above, to one side of, and belowthe plane of but not under the needle plate to cooperate in requiredsequence with the needle and with the other looper 13.

In forming the stitch to be produced by the machine illustrated thelooper 13 passes back and forth from beneath the needle plate and to oneside of the needle plate to cooperate alternately with the needle andthe looper 12. To effect this movement an oscillatory carrier 38 for thelooper 13 is provided pivotally supported-intermediate its ends in aslot 39 in the machine frame on a taper stud 40. A socket in one end ofthe carrier 38 receives the shank of looper 13 which is secured by a setscrew 41. At its opposite end, carrier 38 is provided with a stud 42 andan anti-friction roll 43, which roll is actuated by a cam groove 44 in acam cylinder 45.

This last mentioned cam cylinder, which is similar to the other twopreviously described but preferably longer, is mounted aarallel with thelatter and provided with a driving gear 46 which meshes with the gear36, whereby the third cam cylinder 45 will rotate in unison with theother cam cylinders. A supporting shaft 47 for cam cylinder 45 isjournaled in a bearing frame 48 depending from the machine frame 3 andinclosed within a sub-base 49 to which said machine frame 3 is securedby screws as 50.

The needle shown in the drawin s is of the curved type. It is adapted tobe oscillated by its carrier 51 in awell known manner which may bebriefly described as follows Needle carrier 51 is supported on a pivot52 and connected by a pitman or link 53 with an eccentric extension ofshaft 33 so that as the latter is rotated the needle through its carrierwill be swung through an arc approximately bisected by the needle plateand crossed above said needle plate by the looper 12 and below it by thelooper 13.

The character of looper carrier 38 and the simple oscillating movementrequired thereof permits of its being substantially n1ount ed on a pivotwell supported at both ends as shown and already explained. The otherlooper carrier 22, however, has a compound movement, that is,it isbodily reciprocated together with its supporting slide 20, and at thesame time it is oscillated about the axis of its pivotal connection withsaid slide.

It is desirable that the looper 12 be supported so as to prevent lateralshake and at the same time be free to move in its path, and to that enda new form of looper carrier guide is shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

The guideway for slide 20 as above stated, includes gibs 17 and 18,fastened to the frame cap 16 to which is also secured adjusting wedge21, this particular arrangement of frame cap parts being shown anddescribed in United States Patent No. 441,315 granted to me November25th, 1890. My present invention pertains in part to the novel formand'mounting of a back guide for the looper carrier 22. Said loopercarrier 22, adjacent to its pivot portion, is formed with a shoulder 59and the slide 20 affords a bearing surface for said shoulder. Anopposing bearing surface for the opposite side of looper carrier 22 isprovided on the back guide or bar 60 which is preferably secured to theface of the upper gib 18 by means of a screw 61 which extends throughthe said gib and screws into the frame cap thus securing one end of thegib 18 and one end of the back guide 60, to the frame cap 16.

The opposite end of the back guide 60 is secured to the frame cap 16 bymeans of the screw 62 which extends through the frame cap from theoutside and also through the block 63, and screws into the back guide,the block 63, being of such height that the surface of the back guide inproximity to the rear side of the looper carrier 22 is parallel with themovements of said looper carrier.

By this construction the looper carrier 22 is supported and preventedfrom undue lat eral vibration or lost motion and at the same time isfree to oscillate and travel bodily.

The peculiar construction of the back guide 60 with the block 63interposed between the said back guide and the frame cap makes for easyand accurate construction, repair, and maintenance, inasmuch as all theparts involved are sustained by the frame cap.

In operation, as the hand wheel is turned, the cam cylinders revolve,the upper shaft rotates, reciprocating the needle, the lower looper,cooperating with the needle below the needle plate, oscillates in a pathextending beyond the edge of the needle plate across the path of theupper looper; the upper looper reciprocates in a path crossing the pathof the lower looper and also crossing the path of and cooperating withthe needle above the needle plate. Thus the lower looper cooperates withthe needle and the upper looper, which latter ates with the lower looperand the needle to form overedge stitches. As shown in the drawings, theneedle is designed to carry a thread, the lower looper is provided withan eye for carrying a second thread through a loop of needle threadbelow the needle plate and the upper looper is provided with a point anda throat for catching and carr ing a loop of the lower looper threadaround the edge of the needle plateand into the in turn cooper- 1 pathof the needle so that the latter may pass through the loop of lowerlooper thread, thus forming over-seam stitches with two threads.

In this machine the point of the lower looper passes in the rear of theneedle above the eye of the latter and moves toward and beyond the pathof the upper looper while the point of the latter is below the path ofthe said lower looper, and the upper looper then rises, passing itspoint back of the eye of the lower looper, and continues in its pathupward, toward, and beyond and in front of the point of the needle whenthe latter has risen to approximately its highest position and as theneedle descends. the needle point enters the loop of thread carried bythe up per looper, carrying the needle thread down through said loop andthrough the fabric, while the upper looper returns around the edge ofthe needle plate to its former lowest position, and meanwhile the lowerlooper has returned beyond the path of the needle, ready for its nextadvance.

When three threads are employed in overseaming the upper looper would beprovided with an eye-for carrying a thread, a loop of which it wouldcarry through the loop of the lower looper thread thus presenting a loopof the third thread to the needle, as is well known in the sewingmachine art.

What I claim is:

1. In an overseaming machine, in combination, a reciprocatory needle, abodily reciprocatory looper, a pair of cam cylinders provided with meansfor actuating said looper, a second looper, and a third cam cylinderprovided with an irregular groove for actuating said second looper.

2. In an overseaming machine, in combi-' nation, a reciprocatory needle,a looper cooperative with the needle, a second looper cooperative withthe needle and with the first mentioned looper, means including two camcylinders for actuating one of said loopers and means including a thirdcam cylinder provided with an irregular groove for actuating the otherlooper.

8. In an overseaming machine, in combination, a reciprocatory needle, alooper co-' operative with the needle, a second looper cooperative withthe needle and with the first mentioned looper, a cap supported by andremovable from the machine frame, supporting means for one of saidloopers mounted on said cap, a pair of cam cylinders pro vided withmeans for actuating the cap supported looper, and a third cam cylinderprovided with an irregular groove for actuating the other looper.

4. In an overseaming machine, including a reciprocatory needle and incombination therewith, a loo er carrier pivotally and slidably mounte apair of cam cylinders provided with means for actuating said placementof looper carrier, a second looper carrier pivoted intermediate itsends, and a third cam cylinder provided with an irregular groove foractuating said second looper carrier.

5. In an overseaming machine, including a reciprocatory needle and incombination therewith,- a pair of loopers each movable to cross the pathof the other and to cross the path of the needle and three cam cylindersgeared to rotate in unison, two of said cam cylinders being providedwith means for actuating one of said loopers and the third cam cylinderbeing provided with an irregular groove to actuate the other looper.

6. In an overseaming machine including a reoiprocatory needle and aneedle plate, and in combination therewith, a looper supported forbodily reciprocatory, oscillating movement, a second looper supportedfor oscillating movement, a pair of cam cylinders provided with meansfor actuating the first mentioned looper and a third cam cyl-' inderprovided with an irregular groove for actuating the second mentionedlooper, all of said cam cylinders being connected to rotate in unisonwhereby the loopers will be actuated to cooperate .with the needle andwith each other to interloop thread to form overedge stitches.

7. In an overseaming machine, including a reciprocatory needle and alooper cooperative therewith, the combination of a removable frame cap,a slide supported by the frame cap, a guide bar, having an offset footat one end and a removable spacing block at the other end, whereby itmay be attached to the frame cap in definite relation thereto, and alooper carrier interposed between said guide bar and the slide andpivoted to the latter.

8. In an overseaming machine, including a reciprocatory needle andloopers cooperative therewith, the combination of a removable frainecap, a slide supported by the frame cap, a looper carrier pivoted tosaid slide, means for actuating the looper carrier, a guide bar havingan offset foot on one end and provided with a surface to oppose disthelooper carrier, a spacing block interposed between the guide bar and theframe cap, and means in proximity to the ends of the bar for attachingit to the frame cap.

9. In an overseaming machine, including a reciprocatory needle and alooper cooperative therewith, the combination of means within themachine frame for actuating the loopers, a removable frame cap, gibssecured to the frame cap to form a guideway, a slide supported by theguideway, a guide bar having an offset foot at one end thereof supportedupon one of the gibs, a removablespacing block located between the gibsfor supporting the opposite end of the guide bar, two separate meansextending respectively through one of said gibs and through said spacingblock for securing the guide bar to the :trame cap, and a looper carrierinterposed between said guide bar and the slide and pivoted to thelatter.

10. In an overseaming machine including a reciprocatory needle and aneedle plate, in combination, an upper looper, a pair of cam cylindersintergeared to rotate in unison and provided with cooperating camgrooves for actuating said looper, a third cam cylinder operativelyassociated with the other two, a lower looper actuated by an irregulargroove in said third cam cylinder, and means for supporting the loopers,whereby the lower looper cooperates with the needle be low the needleplate and with the upper looper; and the upper looper cooperates withthe lower looper and with the needle above the needle plate to formoveredge stitches.

11. In an over-seaming machine, the combination of the followinginstrumentalities, to wit: a reciprocatory needle, a bodilyreciprocatory looper, an oscillatory looper and aplurality of camcylinders geared together and provided with irregular grooves in theircylindrical faces, there being two grooves cooperating to operate thebodily movable looper and a third groove for operating the oscillatorylooper.

12. In an overseaming machine, in combination, a reciprocatory needle, abodily reciprocatory looper, an oscillatory looper and a plurality ofcam cylinders geared together and provided with irregular peripheralgrooves, there being two grooves cooperating to actuate the bodilymovable looper and a third groove for actuating the oscillatory looper.Y

13. In an overseaming machine, in com bination, a reciprocatory needle,a looper cooperative with the needle, a second looper cooperative withthe needle and with the first mentioned looper, a cap supported by andremovable from the machine frame, supporting means for one of saidloopers mountd on said cap, a plurality of cam cylinders geared togetherand provided with irregular grooves there being two grooves foractuating the cap supported looper and a third groove for actuating theother looper.

14. In an overseaming machine, in combination, a reciprocatory needle, abodily reciprocatory looper, an oscillatory looper pivoted intermediateits ends, a plurality of cam cylinders geared together and provided withirregular grooves there being two grooves cooperating to actuate one ofthe loopers and a third groove for actuating the other looper.

15. In an overseaming machine, in combination, a reciproeatory needle,a. pair of loopers each movable to cross the path of the other and tocross the path of the needle, a plurali :y of cam cylinders gearedtogether and provided with irregular grooves there being two groovescooperating to actuate one of the loopers and a third groove foractuating the other looper.

16, In an overseaming machine, including a reciprocatory needle and aneedle plate, and in combination therewith, a looper supported forbodily recinrocatory, oscillating movement, and a pluralitv of camcylinders provided with irregular grooves, there being two groovescooperating to actuate one of the loopers and a third groove foractuating the other looper, all of said cam cylinders being connected torotate in unison whereby the loopers will be actuated to cooperate withthe needle and with each other to interloop thread to form overedgestitches.

17. In an overseaming machine, in combination, a reciprocatory needle, abodily reciprocatory looper, a lever having its fulcrum intermediate itsends, a second looper secured to one end of said lever and a pluralityof cam cylinders provided with irregular grooves, there being twogrooves cooperating to actuate the bodily reciprocatory looper and athird groove for actuating the lever.

- 18. In an overseaming machine, in combination, a reciprocatory needle,a bodily reciprocatory looper, a pair of cam cylinders provided withmeans for actuating said looper, a lever, a second looper secured to oneend of said lever, and a third cam cylinder provided with an irregulargroove adapted to receive the other end of the lever for impartingmovement thereto, the fulcrum for said lever being intermediate itsends.

JOSEPH M. MERROVV. Witnesses F. W. SPELLMAN, F. E. ANDERSON.

Copies oi this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C.

